The Suffolk Community Foundation announced the landmark figure yesterday, just half way through the latest Surviving Winter campaign.

Last year the campaign raised £80,000, so organisers are hopeful that they can achieve their goal of beating the record.

Of the £60,000 which has been donated so far Age UK Suffolk, who administer the funds, have distributed £26,750.

These have been sent in grants to 110 different applicants who were in need of support this winter.

Last week the EADT revealed that a large private donation had boosted the funds to near the £60,000 mark.

One of those who benefited from a Surviving Winter grant contacted her branch of Age UK in Bury St Edmunds to thank the charity for arranging the funds which went to cover the high price of her heating oil.

“She was allocated £250 and is so happy that she didn’t have to keep turning her heating off over Christmas,” said Angela Stock of Age UK.

“She said that had she not come into the office on another matter she never would have known about this grant and said that it made a huge difference to her comfort. So a big thank you to us all.”

Judi Newman, Development Director at Suffolk Community Foundation, said: “As we face more unpredictable and stormy weather, we are so grateful to the EADT readers who have responded so generously to this year’s Surviving Winter Appeal.

“We know from Age UK Suffolk that the funding is already making a huge difference to so many vulnerable older people in Suffolk this winter – enabling people to keep their heating on when they need it most.

“It is always very moving to hear the direct quotes from those who have been helped, and it makes it all very worthwhile to know that people really do appreciate the extra help.”

Anyone who feels they are able to forgo their Winter Fuel Payment can donate either part or all of it to the appeal, also backed by the East of England Co-operative Society and Ipswich Building Society, to help reduce winter deaths in Suffolk.